A Life Shaken: My Encounter with Parkinson's Disease

by Joel Havemann

Book Overview

I'm flat on my back on a couch that's too short in a windowless room in the bureau. I can't even sit at a computer, much less make a keyboard work. My arms and legs are shaking uncontrollably. Although I am only 53 years old, I have already been struggling with Parkinson's disease for seven years. And right now the disease is winning. So begins Joel Havemann's account of the insidious disease that is Parkinson's.

Into his own story, Havemann...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801878888
• ISBN13: 9780801878886
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A story of Parkinson's that teaches along the way

Author Joel Havemann weaves his own story of living with this progressive neurological disease with a clear and carefully researched explanation that ranges from symptoms and drugs to challenges and the outlook for a cure. "For an adventure it is - not one that I would have chosen, but an adventure all the same." Mr. Havemann, an editor with the Washington bureau of the Los Angeles Times, helps us look at the human brain and its intricate yet magnificent operation, and the disastrous consequences of even the simplest misfire. He has created an excellent reference guide for caregiver, family member and patient alike that affirms the paradox of our own frustrations and hopes for the future. We feel Mr. Havemann's determination to keep going for his family, anger at the debilitating symptoms, and belief that the scientific and medical communities will deliver an answer.

Wonderfully touching, Expertly written

Mr. Havemann provides us with an incredibly personal view into Parkinson's disease. His wit, candor, and superb writing style draws the reader into his story to such a degree that it is difficult to disengage. While telling his story he concurrently entertains and educates the reader as to where medicine stands with regard to research and current treatment, and how individuals cope. I'm looking forward to his next work.

Not just a story of disease, but a story of humanity

One of the best examples of medical and personal journalism, combining the author's riveting personal story of encountering Parkinson's with an interesting explanation of the disease itself -- its mechanisms and treatments -- that achieves the distinction of being rigorous and very accessible at the same time. Unlike many scientific-themed books of this sort, it provided sufficient detail and rigor to engage the intellect while remaining interesting, accessible, and easy to read. I could not put it down once I started it. I recommend it not just to those who might have a personal interest in the condition known as Parkinson's disease, but also those who have an interest in the human condition -- that is, everyone.

Wonderfully Informative and Helpful

Ever since my father was diagnosed with PD I read everything about the disease; Joel Havemann's book is excellent. He explained the medical condition in simple terms and helped me understand what was going on with my dad. I hope more people living with the disease will write about how they cope with it, because not only does PD affect the person with the disease but all of their friends and family.

AN HONEST ACCOUNT OF LIFE WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS DIAGNOISED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE LAST YEAR I HAD VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISEASE. JOEL HAVEMANN HAS WRITTEN A BOOK WHICH IS EASY TO READ AND EXTREMELY HONEST ABOUT WHAT ONE CAN EXPECT TO FACE IN DEALING WITH THIS DISEASE, BOTH AS THE PATIENT AND AS THE CARE GIVER. HE HAS GIVEN AN EXTREMELY FRANK ACCOUNT OF HIS OWN COPING SKILLS. HE HAS RESEARCED ALL OF THE LATEST TREATMENTS AND DRUG THERAPIES. I SAT DOWN WITH THE BOOK AND READ IT COVER TO COVER. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.